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Girardi excited for Old-Timers' Day festivities

Girardi excited for Old-Timers' Day festivities

7/1/12: Former Yankees Manager Joe Torre is honored at the 66th Old-Timer's Day at Yankee Stadium

By Chris Iseman, Josh Vitale and David Wilson
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MLB.com |

NEW YORK -- Joe Girardi still remembers his first Old-Timers' Day. He remembers seeing Yankees legend Joe DiMaggio back on the Yankee Stadium field, and he knows how awe-inspiring the whole day is.

"Seeing all the people who came back to play in the game, you're like, 'Wow,'" the manager said. "This is pretty awesome to see these players walking around roaming the field."

He'll get to see it again on Sunday, when the Yankees hold their 67th Old-Timers' Day prior to their game against the Rays. The ceremonies will begin at 11:15 a.m. ET, and the first pitch of the Yankees' game is scheduled for 2:05.

New York legends Yogi Berra, David Cone, Whitey Ford, Goose Gossage, Ron Guidry, Reggie Jackson, Paul O'Neill and Bernie Williams, among many others, will take part in the ceremonies. John Flaherty, Brian Dorsett, Todd Greene, Scott Kamieniecki, Andy Phillips and Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez are all slated to appear as first-time Old-Timers.

Many Yankees alumni will also Tweet and answer fans' questions during the game.

Seeing the stands full was the most memorable part of the day for Girardi when he was a player, and he hopes he sees the same thing on Sunday.

Said Girardi: "It shows you how much Yankees fans appreciate what players have done over the years here."

Chris Iseman, Josh Vitale and David Wilson are associate reporters for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.